A systematic map of interventions aiming to address economic inactivity for older workers

Background . Economic inactivity among older people has risen and remained elevated in the UK since the Covid‑19 pandemic, in contrast to many headline labour‑market indicators that have largely recovered. Over‑55s account for a substantial share of this increase, and UK inactivity rates for older workers now compare unfavourably with several other European and G7 countries, where participation has generally rebounded or continued long‑run upward trends. Evidence from UK and European surveys suggests that exit from work at older ages reflects intersecting pressures, including worsening or unresolved health problems, strained access to health care, caring responsibilities, redundancy, and age‑biased workplace practices, rather than single, fully voluntary retirement decisions. This has prompted growing policy interest across Europe in interventions that can prevent unplanned early exit, support return to work, and sustain good‑quality employment in later life.​ Methods . This study uses a systematic evidence‑mapping approach to identify and categorise evaluated interventions that aim to influence labour‑market participation among older workers, defined broadly as those in mid‑to later‑life working ages. Following established guidance for systematic maps and scoping reviews, we searched multiple bibliographic databases and grey‑literature sources, applied transparent eligibility criteria, and used independent screening and standardised coding to chart intervention types, settings, target populations, study designs and employment‑related outcomes.​ Results . The map includes 26 studies (5 systematic reviews, 21 primary evaluations) covering structural or system‑level reforms, workplace‑focused measures and person‑centred programmes. Across this literature, single, stand‑alone interventions show limited and inconsistent effects on outcomes such as employment rates, retirement timing, work ability and benefit receipt, while multi‑component and organisational approaches that integrate health, job design and tailored employment support appear more promising but remain under‑evaluated, particularly in UK and wider European contexts.​